Rock Memorabilia Collecting Tips - Backstage Auctions, Inc.

Posters

HANDLING

Posters were not originally made to last forever. They were intended as throw-away advertising, and most were printed on high-acid, low-grade paper. You need to take into careful consideration the following when handling your posters: heat, humidity, light (UV rays) and the frequency of handling. All of these can have an impact on the condition of your piece and/or collection.

STORING

First, do not store your poster in the attic or in the basement. The best place for storing is in a temperature controlled environment. If you are not planning to display or frame your poster, it should be properly stored.

If possible, it should be laid flat in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

If you are unable to store your poster flat, then you can carefully roll and place it in an acid free clear storage sleeve.

Never use rubber bands on rolled posters. Those should be removed because the rubber deteriorates over time and will stick to your poster. Rubber bands can also indent your poster as a result of the applied pressure.

Do not store your poster between regular cardboard, which has a high acid content, as the cardboard can hasten its deterioration. If you can, store your poster between low-acid foam boards, then place in an acid free storage sleeve.

FRAMING

We suggest that when framing your poster, have it matted so that it is not in direct contact with the glass. Also, make sure the backing board is acid-free. We suggest you use UV (Ultra-violet) resistant glass to protect the paper from dangerous prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun. Never hang the poster where it is subject to direct sun light or indoor lighting. Its probably best to have your item professional framed.

RESTORATION

Removing tape residue:

If the poster is valuable, or appears to be a very large job, it is advised to have it restored by a professional.

For removing a small amount of tape residue, rubber cement thinner is effective. Very carefully, lightly rub a small amount on the spot to be removed. Use extreme caution - you don't want to remove the poster ink!

De-Acidification - As mentioned earlier, some posters were printed on high-acid, low-grade paper. De-acidification can help arrest the deterioration of your movie poster. There are three methods of de-acidification - linen backing/mounting, lamination and encapsulation. It is advisable to consult a professional when considering de-acidifying your poster.